Media

Fox News tweets for first time since 2018

by Joe Concha - 03/18/20 4:30 PM ET

Fox News on Wednesday tweeted for the first time since 2018.

The move came after network executives decided a return to Twitter would help disseminate information during the coronavirus outbreak, particularly for people who are isolated at home, according to Variety.

“Keep up with all the latest COVID-19 news, including tips on keeping safe and stories of survival, struggle and inspiration, at FoxNews.com and watch Fox News Channel on television or online – no authentication required,” Fox News tweeted on Wednesday afternoon.

Keep up with all the latest COVID-19 news, including tips on keeping safe and stories of survival, struggle and inspiration, at https://t.co/m6O9czFdVU and watch Fox News Channel on television or online – no authentication required.

— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 18, 2020

The last time the Fox News account tweeted to its 18.5 million followers was Nov. 8, 2018.

The network began its silent boycott of Twitter after left-wing activists descended on the home of primetime host Tucker Carlson, whose personal address was posted on the social media platform.

In since-deleted videos posted on Twitter, demonstrators chanted, “Tucker Carlson, we will fight! We know where you sleep at night!”

Several reports at the time indicated that while Facebook quickly removed any posts that included Carlson’s home address, Twitter did not promptly remove the posts.

The official Twitter handles for Fox Business and programs such as “Fox & Friends” also stopped tweeting after the incident.

According to Variety, executives at Fox News believe a Twitter presence at this time will also answer coronavirus questions from viewers.

Fox News confirmed Variety’s reporting when contacted by The Hill.

The decision follows an announcement from Fox News last week that it would provide live 24-hour coverage of the pandemic. That meant the network has pulled overnight repeat programs that are common among cable news networks.

Fox also added four additional hours of live programming on weekends with two-hour editions of “Fox Report” with Jon Scott on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. EDT.

As part of the expanding coverage, Fox News Digital is launching several initiatives to address public concern over the pandemic, with medical experts taking part in interactive sessions with FoxNews.com users from noon to 1 p.m. EDT. Fox Corp. also launched CoronavirusNow.com that features content from Fox News Media and Fox Television Stations.

Tags Coronavirus Fox News Tucker Carlson tweets Twitter